Bhutan’s tourism sector is preparing for a major overhaul as the Department of Tourism (DoT) rolls out new pay and staffing regulations designed to strengthen service quality and curb chronic workforce instability.
At the heart of the reform is the National Career and Occupational Framework (NCOF) 2025, a policy initiative aimed at bringing structure and professionalism to an industry that has long struggled with low wages, high staff turnover, and limited training opportunities. The framework seeks to clearly define job roles and responsibilities while laying out career pathways intended to encourage long-term employment in tourism.
Under the proposed system, hotels and other tourism establishments will be required to meet minimum staffing ratios based on their ratings. The framework also introduces baseline wage standards for different positions, addressing what officials describe as a long-standing gap between existing pay levels and the demands placed on workers.
According to assessments conducted by the DoT, current salaries in the sector fall well below the new benchmarks outlined in the NCOF. This disparity has contributed to frequent job switching, as employees leave in search of better-paying opportunities. Many workers are also expected to handle multiple roles simultaneously, further contributing to burnout and dissatisfaction.
The challenges extend beyond wages. A rapid assessment carried out by the DoT found that more than three-quarters of the tourism workforce lacks formal training. With limited access to professional development, many employees enter the sector without the skills needed to meet international service standards, weakening the overall visitor experience.
Officials believe the NCOF can help reverse these trends by professionalizing tourism jobs and creating incentives for workers to stay and grow within the industry. The framework was developed through consultations with multiple stakeholders and is expected to be implemented by the middle of the year.
However, the proposed changes have raised concerns among hotel operators. With occupancy rates still recovering, some hoteliers worry that meeting higher salary requirements could place additional financial pressure on already struggling businesses.
Despite these concerns, policymakers argue that investing in people is essential for the long-term sustainability of Bhutan’s tourism sector. By improving wages, training, and career prospects, the government hopes to build a more skilled and motivated workforce—one capable of supporting a resilient and high-quality tourism industry in the years ahead.
